News
Press Freedom Day: Lawyers Urge Journalists Not To Be Intimidateda
Lawyers in Lagos yesterday urged journalists not to be deterred by recent happenings in the country in disseminating information.
The lawyers gave the advice in separate interviews with our correspondent on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day celebrations.
A lawyer and human rights activist, Mr Bamidele Aturu, urged journalists not to feel threatened by occurrences that could infringe on their rights to a free press.
Aturu said in Ikeja that freedom of press could not be established without sacrifices from journalists.
Aturu said it was sad that the right to a free press was not fully enforced in Nigeria, adding that many journalists had lost their lives for daring to speak the truth.
Also commenting, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Mr Adebamigbe Omole, said journalists should be appreciated as the press was an integral part of the nation.
However, others who commented on the day, urged journalists to be discreet in disseminating information and not to take the laws into their hands because of the FOI Act.
Mr Biodun Adeoye, advised media practitioners to be cautious of the things they write and say, and guard against disseminating distorted and libellous information.
Mr Paul Okoliko, a lawyer, said that the media was important in the administration of any government and so should be allowed to perform its function of a watchdog.
He said for any nation to succeed, there must exist, an informed press that would assist in disseminating information.
He, however, praised the Nigerian press which, he said, had fared well.
Mr Kola Afolayan, another lawyer, said with the signing into law of the FOI bill, more privileges should be accorded the press to freely gather and distribute news without fear or favour.
Afolayan said that the freedom of the press, guaranteed by the FOI law, must be exercised cautiously to avoid abuse.
Mr Emeka Anyiocha, a lawyer and journalist, said that the provision of Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was meant to provide for the freedom of expression of every citizen.
He said that journalists in Nigeria enjoy that freedom which formed the bedrock of their operations.
Anyiocha said the important thing was for that freedom of expression, as well as the freedom of information, to be utilised in a manner that would promote peace and unity.
He, therefore, urged journalists to be fair in their analysis of issues and always seek to foster unity in the country.
The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is: “Media with the Power to Transform Societies.”
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene